Staying active key to feeling good, healthy

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Publication title: Courier, The

Because physical activity increases your heart rate and breathing, the heart and lungs are strengthened and the oxygen supply to the body increases

This means muscles and joints are more likely to be nourished and strengthened and therefore able to work more efficiently.

The spin-off is that you have greater mobility, feel more energetic, look better and possibly have more fun.

If your body is not used, then it starts to lose fitness and flexibility.

Because of age-related decline, older adults probably benefit more from physical activity than any other age group, but it should be within their capabilities.

If you have any medical problems, check with your doctor or nurse before starting or increasing physical activity levels and ask if a Green Prescription is right for you.

Tips for fitness:

■Be physically active every day. Try ‘‘snacking’’ on exercise to keep fit.

■Start off slowly and build up to the recommended daily physical activity levels to prevent injury.

■The recommended guidelines for exercise is 150 minutes per week of cardiovascular exercise. This can be broken up, for example: five bouts of 30 minutes’ exercise per week.

■Use your breathing to guide the intensity of the exercise. You should notice your breathing is increased. However, if you cannot speak full sentences, lower the intensity of the exercise.

■Practise good posture by distributing the weight evenly on your feet, pulling in your tummy and imagining yourself growing tall. Relax your shoulders and breathe evenly.

■Make your own gentle activity programme.

■Join or form an activity group and enjoy socialising at the same time as being active. Popular choices are:

Walking, swimming, aqua aerobics, line dancing, cycling...